3D vs 4D Baby Scans: Which One Should You Choose?

WIFW Team on 01/02/2026

3D vs 4D Baby Scans: Which One Should You Choose?

As your pregnancy progresses, the desire to see your baby’s face and personality grows. While our primary focus at Western Imaging for Women is always on medical and diagnostic excellence, we love providing families with the “gold standard” experience of 3D and 4D imaging.

If you are wondering which scan is right for your current stage of pregnancy, this guide will help you understand the differences.

Understanding the Technology: 3D vs. 4D

Both types of scans use the same high-tech ultrasound technology, but they offer different ways to view your baby:

  • 3D Baby Scans: These provide a three-dimensional, static image of your baby. They are perfect for seeing the detailed shape of your baby’s facial features, hands, and feet in high definition.
  • 4D Baby Scans: The “fourth dimension” is time. This is essentially a live video of your baby in the womb. You might see your baby yawning, stretching, or even sucking their thumb in real-time.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice often depends on what you hope to experience during your visit to our Maribyrnong clinic:

  • For Detailed Keepsakes: If you want a clear, high-resolution “photograph” to share with family or print for a baby book, 3D scans are excellent.
  • For a Live Connection: If you want to see your baby’s movements and “meet” their personality before they arrive, 4D provides that moving, cinematic experience.

At Western Imaging for Women, we use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that regardless of the format you choose, you receive the highest quality visuals available.

The Specialist Advantage

Even for elective bonding scans, choosing a specialist obstetric clinic matters. Unlike general radiology centres, our team consists of highly trained sonographers and doctors who specialise only in pregnancy and gynaecology.

  • Thorough Care: We always provide feedback during the appointment, ensuring you are comfortable and aware of what you are seeing.
  • Advanced Training: Our specialists have a higher level of training than general clinics, ensuring the scan is performed safely and professionally.
  • A Premium Environment: We pride ourselves on a comfortable, high-tech experience that justifies our position as the gold standard in Melbourne’s West.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

For the most detailed 3D and 4D images, we typically recommend booking between 24 and 30 weeks. This allows the baby enough time to grow distinct features while still having plenty of space (and amniotic fluid) to move around for the camera.

Book Your 3D or 4D Scan.

How the NIPS Test Works: Everything You Need to Know

WIFW Team on 05/01/2026

How the NIPS Test Works: Everything You Need to Know

As you move through your first trimester, you may hear your doctor or midwife mention NIPS (Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening), often referred to as NIPT. While it sounds technical, it is actually a simple but powerful tool that provides early insights into your baby’s health.

At Western Imaging for Women, we believe that information is the best remedy for the “new-parent nerves”. Here is our guide to how this test works and why choosing a specialist clinic for your results makes all the difference.

What Exactly is the NIPS/NIPT Test?

The NIPS test is a highly accurate blood test that screens for common chromosomal conditions.

  • The Science: During pregnancy, tiny fragments of DNA from the placenta enter the mother’s bloodstream.
  • The Process: We take a simple blood sample from the mother and analyse these fragments (cell-free DNA) to look for certain genetic patterns.
  • The Goal: It primarily screens for conditions such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13).

When is the Best Time for the Test?

The NIPS test can be performed as early as 10 weeks into your pregnancy. Because it is non-invasive, it poses no risk to your developing baby, making it a preferred choice for many expectant mothers in Melbourne and Geelong.

We often recommend scheduling this alongside an Early Pregnancy Scan to ensure your pregnancy is at the correct stage for the most accurate results.

Why Our Approach Matters for Your Results

While many pathology labs can take a blood sample, the “Gold Standard” of care lies in the interpretation.

  • Specialist Advice: Our doctors are all trained in obstetrics and gynaecology, meaning they are uniquely qualified to check and advise on your scans and screening results.
  • Immediate Feedback: If there are concerns or if the results are complex, we don’t leave you waiting in the dark; we provide clear feedback to ensure you are fully aware of the findings.
  • Secure and Fast: All reports are handled through securely encrypted systems and sent to your referring doctor within 24 hours.
  • The Entry Point: We have found that mothers who choose us for their NIPS test often stay with us for the remainder of their journey, benefiting from consistent care through to their final growth scans.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you have a referral for a NIPS/NIPT test, remember that you can choose where your screening is performed. Reach out today and choose the specialist expertise of Western Imaging for Women for the clarity and support you deserve.

What to Expect at Your Dating Scan: Your Guide to the FirstCrucial Appointment

WIFW Team on 10/12/2025

What to Expect at Your Dating Scan: Your Guide to the First
Crucial Appointment

What to Expect at Your Dating Scan: Your Guide to the First Crucial Appointment 

Finding out you’re pregnant is an incredible moment, often followed by a wave of questions—and perhaps a touch of anxiety. At Western Imaging for Women in Maribyrnong, we believe in supporting you with clarity and expertise right from the beginning. 

Your Dating Scan, also known as the Early Pregnancy Scan, is typically the very first imaging appointment you will have. This guide walks you through what this crucial scan involves, what we look for, and why it’s the best way to start your pregnancy journey with confidence. 

Why Is a Dating Scan So Important?

The Dating Scan is usually performed between 6 and 10 weeks of pregnancy. It provides foundational information that will guide your entire maternity care journey. 

As specialists in obstetric ultrasound, we use this scan to: 

  • Determine an Accurate Due Date: This is one of the most important pieces of information we establish. Getting an accurate Estimated Due Date (EDD) is crucial for timing future tests and scans, especially the NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) and the later Morphology Scan. 
  • Confirm Heart Activity and Viability: The scan allows us to confirm the presence of a heartbeat, offering essential early reassurance. 
  • Check the Location of the Pregnancy: We ensure the pregnancy is safely positioned inside the uterus. 
  • Identify Multiples: We can confirm if you are carrying one baby or if you have a twin pregnancy. 

What Happens During the Appointment? 

When you book your scan with our expert team in Maribyrnong, you are choosing the ‘gold standard’ of specialist care. Here is what you can expect during your appointment: 

  • Preparation: We often recommend having a relatively full bladder for an optimal view, particularly in the earliest weeks. Our staff will advise you when you book. 
  • The Scan Itself: Depending on the stage of your pregnancy and visibility, the scan may be performed two ways: 
    1. Transabdominal: The sonographer moves a probe gently over your abdomen. 
    2. Transvaginal: For the earliest or clearest views, a small internal probe may be used. Our highly trained sonographers will ensure this is performed with maximum comfort and respect. 
  • Real-Time Feedback: At Western Imaging for Women, we pride ourselves on a thorough process. We provide feedback and discuss the preliminary findings with you during the appointment. You won’t leave until you are aware of the results and your questions are answered.
  • Reporting: The full, detailed report is securely sent to your referring doctor within 24 hours via encrypted file or eFax. 

Why Choose Western Imaging for Your Dating Scan? 

Your referral slip allows you to choose any clinic, and many expectant mothers in Melbourne’s West, Geelong, and beyond choose us because of our specialist focus. 

  • Specialist Expertise: We only perform pregnancy and gynaecology imaging. Our team consists of obstetrician and gynaecology trained doctors who are highly trained to interpret and advise on your scan. 
  • A Commitment to Care: We offer a premium, high-quality service that focuses on making this first experience comfortable and reassuring. 

Next Steps After Your Dating Scan 

Getting an accurate date sets the stage for the rest of your care, including the vital NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing). Ready to book your Dating Scan and start your pregnancy journey with confidence? Book online with us or reach out to our expert team for more details.

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